Gene was born Nov. 7, 1948, in Carroll, Iowa, to Phyllis and Alice (Burkey) Small and lived most of his life in Dallas Center. He married Linda Hicks Olson on April 5, 1975, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes. Gene worked as an Estimator for Construction Materials Inc. for 23 years. He spent spring, summer and fall tending to his yard. While being an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan he had to cheer on Iowa State as well since his youngest grandson is attending there.

Gene is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Barb (Mark) Thacker of Dallas Center; son, Brian (Tricia) Small of Panora; six grandchildren, Brandon, Nicole, Caleb, Alyssa, Kaylin and Miyah; one great-granddaughter, Daisy; and his sister, Faye (Ken) Renfrow of Camdenton, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the ARL of Iowa or AHeinz57. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.